Air Force Awards 3D Systems $7.65M Contract to Continue Work on Large Format Metal 3D Printer

3D Systems has been awarded a $7.65 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to continue developing a large-format metal 3D printer for hypersonic applications, following an initial $11 million contract in September 2023. The company's share price surged by 25% in response to the news, reflecting growing interest in hypersonic technology development. The Trump administration has prioritized investments in hypersonic tech, aiming to create an "Iron Dome for America." The Pentagon's focus on hypersonic research extends beyond this initiative, with recent successful tests of conventional hypersonic missiles by the U.S. Army and Navy. The contract underscores the potential impact of defense contracts on the additive manufacturing industry's growth and market performance.